POL 334 Contemporary Asia

Course Description

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the modern political history of Asia. The course will focus on the societies of China, Japan, India, and South Korea. Topics that will be covered include the effects of traditional cultures on modern politics, democracy and authoritarianism, economic change, and international relations in the region.

Reading assignments in this course have included books such as:

Ian Buruma, Inventing Japan, 1853-1964.

Alexis Dudden, Troubled Apologies Among Japan, Korea, and the United States.

Edward Luce, In Spite of the Gods: The Strange Rise of Modern India.

Rana Mitter, A Bitter Revolution: China’s Struggle with the Modern World.